In AI We Trust?

In this episode of In AI We Trust?, EqualAI President and CEO Miriam Vogel interviews Steven Overly, host of POLITICO Tech’s weekly podcast and editorial director of POLITICO Live. Steven shares highlights from POLITICO’s 2025 AI & Tech Summit and his thoughts on how the tech landscape has changed since he first started reporting on it as a journalist. Steven and Miriam also touch on topics including AI in government, AI and the workforce, and how to bring nuance into conversations around AI and ensure that more people are included in conversations about how it will impact their lives.

In this episode of In AI We Trust?, cohosts Miriam Vogel and Nuala O’Connor speak with Daniel Dobrygowski, Head of Governance and Trust at the World Economic Forum (WEF), and Karla Yee Amezaga, Initiatives Lead for AI and Data Governance with WEF’s Centre for AI Excellence about the importance of building trust in technology, strengthening AI and digital literacy, and modernizing boards to be fit for purpose for the modern era. They discuss EqualAI’s and WEF’s  new playbooks, including WEF’s Playbook on Advancing Responsible AI Innovation and EqualAI’s new AI Governance Playbook. Find the WEF Playbook here and EqualAI’s AI Governance Playbook here.

Adam Thierer, a resident senior fellow at the R Street Institute, dives into the intricate world of AI policy and governance. He discusses the Trump Administration’s AI Action Plan and highlights Congress's crucial role in shaping AI legislation. Thierer emphasizes the urgency for AI literacy and transparent regulation that consumers can understand. He also explores the need for adaptive governance and workforce upskilling, stressing the importance of trust between consumers and companies in navigating the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

In Episode 10 of the In AI We Trust? AI Literacy series, Angie Cooper’s Call to Action for the Heartland, Miriam Vogel talks with Angie Cooper, President and Chief Operating Officer of Heartland Forward, to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) can accelerate economic growth across America’s Heartland. The discussion follows Heartland Forward’s recent annual Heartland Summit, the data-driven insights that inform their mission, and their partnership with Stemuli to create a first-of-its-kind AI literacy video game to promote AI learning for rural students. Angie stresses the importance of increasing access to AI by expanding affordable, high-speed internet and building trust with AI platforms through education initiatives and open conversations with teachers and employers. This episode explores how AI can be utilized as a tool to benefit small businesses, prepare students for the workforce, and advance jobs throughout the Heartland and beyond. 

In this episode of In AI We Trust?, Miriam & Nuala speak with Common Sense Senior Director of AI Programs Robbie Torney to discuss AI's impact on children, families, and schools, focusing on AI literacy, which builds upon media and digital literacy. Robbie advises parents to engage in tech conversations with curiosity and empathy and encourages educators to view AI as a tool to enhance learning, noting students' prevalent use. Common Sense Media provides AI training and risk assessments for educators. Torney aims to bridge digital divides and supports AI implementation in underserved schools, highlighting risks of AI companions for vulnerable youth and developing resources for school AI readiness and risk assessments. The episode stresses the importance of AI literacy and critical thinking to navigate AI's complexities and minimize harm.The EqualAI AI Literacy podcast series builds on In AI We Trust?’s global reach, focusing specifically on AI literacy. Featuring prominent leaders in the technology, education, and governance fields, this special series provides listeners with valuable insights and discussions around AI’s impact on society, leading efforts in this area of AI literacy, and how listeners can benefit from these experts and tools.Related ResourcesEpisode Blog PostAI Risk AssessmentsAI Basics for K–12 TeachersParents’ Ultimate Guide to AI Companions and Relationships2025: The Common Sense Census2024: The Dawn of the AI Era

In this special episode of In AI We Trust?, recorded live at the launch of the EqualAI C-Suite Summit in Washington, D.C., host Miriam Vogel sits down with the dynamic Van Jones — acclaimed social entrepreneur, innovator, and tech evangelist. Together, they dive into a thought-provoking conversation about how AI can be a  transformative force for opportunity creation. With his trademark clarity and conviction, Van offers a hopeful vision for the future of AI— one that empowers communities and drives societal progress, but only if we lead with the right values and policies at this critical moment.Related ResourcesDream Machine AI x Library Project

In this episode of In AI We Trust?, Dr. Andrew Ng joins co-hosts Miriam Vogel and Rosalind Wiseman to discuss AI literacy and the need for widespread AI understanding. Dr. Ng makes a call to action that everyone should learn to code, especially with AI-assisted coding becoming more accessible. The episode also addresses AI fears and misconceptions, highlighting the importance of learning about AI for increased productivity and potential career growth. The conversation further explores AI's potential for positive large-scale social impact, such as in climate modeling, and the challenges of conveying this potential amidst widespread fears across the general public. The discussion addresses AI's potential for social good, the urgent need for AI education and upskilling, and the complexities of AI integration in education. This important episode underscores Andrew, Miriam & Rosalind’s belief in the transformative potential of AI when individuals are empowered to manage, adapt and build with it, fostering innovation across various sectors and in user’s daily lives.The EqualAI AI Literacy podcast series builds on In AI We Trust?’s global reach, focusing specifically on AI literacy. Featuring prominent leaders in the technology, education, and governance fields, this special series will provide listeners with valuable insights and discussions around AI’s impact on society, leading efforts in this area of AI literacy, and how listeners can benefit from these experts and tools.Related ResourcesEpisode Blog PostAndrew Ng: Should we fear an AI-driven existential crisis? (In AI We Trust?, Jan. 2024)DeepLearning.AICoursera

This episode of In AI We Trust? features co-hosts Miriam Vogel and Rosalind Wiseman continuing their AI literacy series with Susan Gonzales, CEO of AIandYou. The discussion centers on the critical need for basic AI literacy within marginalized communities to create opportunities and prevent an "AI divide." Susan emphasizes overcoming fear, building foundational AI knowledge, and understanding AI's impact on jobs and small businesses. She stresses the urgency of AI education and AIandYou's role in providing accessible resources.  The episode highlights the importance of dialogue and strategic partnerships to advance AI literacy, ensuring that everyone can benefit from AI's opportunities before the "window" closes.The EqualAI AI Literacy podcast series builds on In AI We Trust?’s global reach, focusing specifically on AI literacy. Featuring prominent leaders in the technology, education, and governance fields, this special series will provide listeners with valuable insights and discussions around AI’s impact on society, leading efforts in this area of AI literacy, and how listeners can benefit from these experts and tools.Related ResourcesEpisode Blog PostAIandYou

In this episode of In AI We Trust?, co-hosts Miriam Vogel and Rosalind Wiseman speak with Dr. Judith Spitz, Founder and Executive Director of Break Through Tech sheds light on the blind spots within the industry, and discusses how Break Through Tech is pioneering innovative programs to open doors to talented individuals. She gets more young people from a broad array of backgrounds to study technology disciplines, ensures they learn leadership and other skills critical to their success, and gets them into industry- she is single-handedly building a more robust and prepared tech ecosystem.The EqualAI AI Literacy podcast series builds on In AI We Trust?’s global reach, focusing specifically on AI literacy. Featuring prominent leaders in the technology, education, and governance fields, this special series will provide listeners with valuable insights and discussions around AI’s impact on society, leading efforts in this area of AI literacy, and how listeners can benefit from these experts and tools.Related ResourcesEpisode Blog PostBreak Through TechAchieving Greater Gender Equity in Tech

Co-hosts of EqualAI’s AI Literacy Series, Miriam Vogel and Rosalind Wiseman are joined by Mason Grimshaw, data scientist at Ode Partners and VP at IndigiGenius. Grimshaw discusses his roots growing up on a reservation, and what led him to the field of AI. He explains why it’s his mission to bring AI education and tools back to his community. Grimshaw articulates how AI literacy is essential for Indigenous communities to ensure they retain data sovereignty and benefit from these game-changing tools.The EqualAI AI Literacy podcast series builds on In AI We Trust?’s global reach, focusing specifically on AI literacy. Featuring prominent leaders in the technology, education, and governance fields, this special series will provide listeners with valuable insights and discussions around AI’s impact on society, leading efforts in this area of AI literacy, and how listeners can benefit from these experts and tools.Related ResourcesEpisode Blog PostLakota AI Code CampIndigiGeniusFirst Languages AI Reality (FLAIR)